The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has unveiled its transformative agenda to expand health insurance coverage, improve equity, enhance the quality of care and boost efficiency across Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Director-general of NHIA, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri disclosed this during a media briefing on Wednesday in Abuja to commemorate the 2024 Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day. He reflected on the agency’s journey so far, key achievements and its vision for achieving UHC by 2025.
Ohiri noted that before the enactment of the National Health Insurance Authority Act in 2022, Nigeria’s health insurance coverage had stagnated at approximately seven percent for nearly two decades.
“This stagnation resulted primarily from the limited scope of health insurance, which predominantly served the formal sector while leaving the poor and vulnerable underserved,” he said.
He explained that the NHIA is addressing these gaps by enforcing mandatory health insurance, increasing public awareness and restoring trust in the system.
Highlighting its efforts, Ohiri said the NHIA has introduced initiatives such as the obstetric fistula care programme and an emergency care program for women with obstetric complications to remove financial barriers to life-saving care.
“A 40-60 per cent increase in tariffs has been implemented to reflect current economic realities and rising medical costs. This adjustment ensures that healthcare providers can deliver adequate and timely care,” he added.
The NHIA has made significant strides in expanding enrollment under its new framework, incorporating vulnerable populations through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF). Transitioning from the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to the NHIA has also enabled the shift from service provision to comprehensive regulation and oversight of the health insurance industry.
Ohiri emphasised the importance of citizen engagement, data-driven decision-making and organisational restructuring in achieving the agency’s objectives.
“We cannot afford to stagnate at seven per cent coverage. Our mission is to ensure that every Nigerian understands the benefits of health insurance and that these benefits translate into real and meaningful access to quality care,” he stated.
As the NHIA aims to exceed the presidential target of enrolling 30 million Nigerians into health insurance by 2025, Ohiri acknowledged several ongoing challenges. These include fragmentation within the industry and the need for consistent stakeholder collaboration.
The DG outlined plans to expand financial access to life-saving care for women and the elderly, increase enrollment efforts and enhance healthcare infrastructure through digital transformation.
Reiterating the authority’s commitment to achieving universal health coverage, Ohiri stated, “We are building a system where no Nigerian is left behind.”
He described the NHIA’s initiatives as bold steps toward redefining healthcare financing in Nigeria. Stakeholders present at the event emphasised the importance of optimism in realising a more inclusive, efficient and equitable healthcare system.
Universal Health Coverage Day, observed annually on December 12, advocates for equitable access to quality healthcare without financial hardship. Established by a United Nations resolution in 2017, the day underscores the role of UHC in promoting health equity and well-being.
The occasion also serves as a call to action for governments and stakeholders to strengthen healthcare systems, ensure accountability and raise awareness about the importance of UHC as a critical global health goal.
